Page 21 of Taking Orders in the Underworld

An arched eyebrow from her mother.

“I mean, excuse me?”

“It is clear you love this work, and no daughter of mine is going to work herself into the ground only for that upstart, Zeus, to take what he wants. I will tell both him and Hades that I am to be the new investor of the—” Nyx looked at the sign hanging over them, “Zeus’ Watering Hole,” she said, distastefully.

Nika was still caught on the first part. “You want to be our investor?”

“I have already spoken to Orpheus and Eurydice. They have agreed to play once a fortnight at this place, under my protection in the cover of night, and within the walls of this establishment. By day, I’ve suggested they stay out of the way of anywhere Hades might be publicly, but I’m sure he will not cause trouble knowing that I have a personally vested interest in them now. You and your team will be able to assist with matters such as accommodation. Am I correct?”

Nika nodded. “Yes. We can find them safe harbour during the day.”

“Well then, I shall go inside and talk with this Garth, ensure he has enough tokens to keep this place you love so much still running. Away with this silly libations nonsense. I certainly didn’t need it, and I did just fine. So will you, especially with the pull having Orpheus here will give this place.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

“There is one last thing.”

“Yes?” Nika laughed. She should have known.

“Your father and I would like to dine here, sometime soon I should expect. The food looked rather good, and it seems a shame our likings are not on that wall.”

“Yes,” Nika found herself agreeing, “it does.”

“Then it’s settled. I shall go and have a word with Garth. First thing on the agenda is to get him to change the ridiculous name of this place.”

Nika smiled to herself, as her mother stepped back inside. No doubtthatwould be an interesting conversation to be a part of.

“There you are.”

Nika glanced behind her to see Tomas’ head poking out from the doorway. “We’re turning tables for the next round of guests to see Orpheus perform. You’re needed.”

Nika glanced at her watch, coiled around her in a snake-like fashion. It blinked, then showed her that the evening was almost halfway through.

“Well then,” shesaid, turning towards Tomas. “Let’s get on with it.”

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